Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 17: Around two million people across the globe lose their lives to liver diseases every year — accounting for nearly 4% of all global deaths, according to 2023 data. In the United States alone, about 4.5 million adults are diagnosed with liver conditions, as per the National Health Interview Survey shared by the CDC. Experts say poor dietary habits and unhealthy lifestyles are the leading causes of this alarming rise.

Contrary to popular belief, foods like meat, ghee, or butter are not the biggest enemies of the liver. According to Dr. Adrian Sznajder, a functional medicine specialist focusing on thyroid and PCOS health, the “most dangerous” ingredient for the liver is high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).

Dr. Sznajder explained that fatty liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has become one of the most prevalent liver disorders today. Nearly 100 million Americans — about 25% of the population — are estimated to have NAFLD, according to the American Liver Foundation. The disease is unrelated to alcohol use and occurs due to excessive fat accumulation in the liver, primarily caused by poor dietary patterns.

“If you think meat or saturated fats like ghee or butter are the worst for your liver, think again. These are actually fine,” Dr. Sznajder said in a recent video shared on Instagram. “Research shows that high fructose corn syrup is far worse and is strongly linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Unlike glucose, fructose is more readily converted into fat in the liver, increasing the risk of liver damage,” he added.

Fructose — a form of sugar commonly used in sugary drinks, processed foods, and flavored yogurts — becomes harmful when consumed in its industrial form, such as in high fructose corn syrup. This ingredient, widely used in packaged beverages and snacks, has been identified as a major driver of NAFLD.

When ingested, industrial fructose first affects the gut lining and disrupts healthy gut bacteria, leading to higher absorption of fat-producing compounds that flow to the liver. The resulting fat buildup causes inflammation and, over time, severe liver damage.

Health experts continue to warn that excessive consumption of processed foods and sugary drinks poses a serious threat to liver health — urging people to shift toward whole, nutrient-rich diets to protect their liver and overall well-being.